Governance Manager

House of Commons

The House of Commons is a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK's thriving democratic system.

Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

Staff Benefits

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including:

• 30 days' annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year).
• Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%.
• Access to training and development.
• Flexible working.
• Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.

Introduction

The Governance Office is responsible for key corporate functions, including the Domestic Committees and Governance Secretariat, Strategic Planning and Performance, Parliamentary Safety, Information Compliance and Internal Audit.

The Domestic Committees and Governance Secretariat provides secretariat services, support and advice to the Commission (and Members Estimate Committee), the Finance Committee, the Administration Committee, the Administration Estimate Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (and Members Estimate Audit Committee) and the Speaker's Advisory Committee on Works of Art. These groups represent the senior Member bodies in the House of Commons which decide and advise on how the House Administration should deliver its services to Members, staff and visitors. The Secretariat provides governance advice and support to Boards and Groups across the House of Commons.

The Role

The Governance Manager works with colleagues in the Governance Office and the Office of the Executive, as well as colleagues across Parliament, to deliver effective strategic governance support, advice for boards and groups and is Secretary to the Audit Committee.

As Governance Manager they will be responsible for taking forward proposals to develop, and then maintain a strategic governance framework for the House of Commons that draws together existing policies and frameworks to ensure governance is explained clearly to stakeholders and is in line with good practice. This will include actioning proposals for new guidance and standards for sub-Boards and supporting its practical use. They will support board secretaries across the organisation and seek opportunities for practical improvement. Responsible for the register of Boards and Groups they will have a clear strategic oversight role for governance in the House. Using their knowledge and experience, they will be proactive in offering advice, working collaboratively with governance colleagues in the House of Lords to ensure a coordinated approach.

Some of the responsibilities for this role include:

• Being responsible for the content and provision of information to explain the governance framework to staff and stakeholders;
• Leading work to implement proposals to improve the practical operation of sub-Boards through enhanced guidance, and support to individual sub-boards as necessary; working closely with the Secretary to the Commons Executive Board (CEB) to ensure the activities of sub-boards are appropriately reported to the CEB.
• As secretary of the Administration Estimate Audit and Risk Assurance Committee, manage the agenda and forward plan, acting as the primary source of support and advice for the Chair and stakeholders;

Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• A recognised qualification in corporate governance or a willingness to undertake a professional qualification within the first year in the role.
• An excellent understanding of best practice in governance and an ability to be the lead authority on the issue.
• The ability to build and maintain good working relationships with senior Parliamentary officials, Members of Parliament, non-executives and other stakeholders while giving advice and balancing sometimes conflicting interests.
• The ability to translate strategic aims into practical objectives, evaluate highly complex situations, and initiate and manage change in areas of governance, resolving issues with a strategic focus, while understanding political and reputational risks and opportunities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to produce clear, informative and compelling communications, including at a strategic level.
• Proven organisational skills with the ability to coordinate multiple workstreams and resources, manage conflicting priorities at a senior level and deliver to tight deadlines under pressure.

Next Steps and Additional Information

• Application Form - If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 1-5 in the Job Description.

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description.

Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.

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